Product Developer, Furniture

Sunpan; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

RRSP Matching

Health Spending Account

Extended Health Care

Employee Discounts

On-Site Parking

Great Place to Work

Team Building

Job summary

SUNPAN is seeking a Market & Category Manager to drive North American furniture strategy. You will monitor trends, analyze performance, create design briefs, collaborate with designers, manage concepts through prototyping to production, and work with global suppliers.

You will travel internationally, support QA, ensure regulatory compliance, and assist with trade shows and sample coordination. A degree in Industrial Design is preferred, with strong PM and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Strong design aesthetic and ability to translate trend research into cohesive assortments.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
• Proven project management and organizational abilities.
• Knowledge of the North American furniture market is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Monitor industry trends and NA furniture market performance.
• Analyze product performance and identify growth opportunities in assigned categories.
• Create mood boards, design briefs, and concepts to support assortment development.
• Collaborate with designers and internal teams to develop on-brand, viable designs.
• Coordinate with suppliers and factories for sampling, prototyping, and production timelines.

Skills

Design sense

Project management

Collaboration

Communication

MS Office

Furniture industry knowledge

Education

Industrial Design degree or diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

SUNPAN is a fast-growing global furniture brand that specializes in the design of high quality, trend-forward furnishings for commercial and residential spaces. We collaborate with established designers and suppliers from around the globe to source the finest materials and inspired styles. As a trade-only company, we are a trusted source for interior designers seeking timeless pieces that elevate any space. Our curated assortment spans across dining and bar to living, bedroom, outdoor, and accents.

Proudly certified as a Great Place to Work for five consecutive years, SUNPAN fosters a creative and supportive environment. We welcome talented individuals to explore rewarding career opportunities across our diverse teams.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Product Development, this role collaborates closely with Marketing, Sales, Purchasing, Design, QA, and overseas partners to identify market opportunities and translate them into competitive, commercially successful furniture products.

The ideal candidate combines strong design sensibility, commercial acumen, and project management skills, thriving in a fast-paced environment while delivering innovative, on-brand solutions within defined timelines.

About the Role:

Market & Category Management

• Monitor industry trends, consumer behaviour, and the North American furniture market.
• Assess the performance and overall health of assigned product categories, identifying growth opportunities and risks.
• Analyze product performance and develop strategies to expand successful collections and phase out underperforming items.

Product Development & Design

• Create mood boards, design briefs, and product concepts to support assortment development.
• Collaborate with designers and internal teams to create innovative, on-brand, and commercially viable designs.
• Develop new products from concept and design through sampling/Prototyping and final production.
• Source and explore new materials and finishes to enhance product offerings.

Supplier & Factory Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with global suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities and performance, providing guidance to improve product execution and quality.
• Manage ongoing communication with overseas factories regarding sampling, Prototyping, production, timelines, and issue resolution.
• Travel internationally for factory visits, sourcing, and inspiration as required.
  

Cross-Functional & QA Collaboration

• Work closely with internal teams, agents, and factories to ensure alignment throughout the product development process.
• Partner with the QA team to review and approve samples and ensure quality standards are met.
• Support compliance with applicable furniture regulations and standards across key markets.
  

Trade Show & Project Support

• Collaborate with the Director of Product Development on trade show planning and execution.
• Coordinate with junior team members, Logistics, and Warehouse teams to prioritize and track sample orders for trade shows.
• Execute follow-up actions and product decisions arising from trade shows.

Additional Responsibilities:

Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Product Development

Let's Talk About You:

• College diploma and/or university degree in Industrial Design preferred.
• Strong design aesthetic and ability to translate trend research into cohesive assortments.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of the furniture industry is an asset.
  

Benefits We Offer:

• Generous Paid Time Off– Vacation, personal days, sick days, and even your birthday off!
• RRSP Matching– Helping you plan for a secure future.
• Health Spending Account– Extra flexibility for your health and wellness needs.
• Comprehensive Extended Health Care– Includes medical, dental, vision, and paramedical coverage.
• Exclusive Employee Discounts– Save on products you love.
• On-Site Parking– Convenient access (if applicable).
• A Certified Great Place to Work– Proudly recognized for 5 years in a row!
• Team Building & Social Events– Because we believe in growing together.

Sunpan Trading & Importing Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and we believe that diversity is the reason behind our success. We are committed to fair and accessible employment practices.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants should make their needs known by contacting us in advance. Our HR department will consult with you so that arrangements can be made for reasonable accommodation.